United States. Army. Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, 15th (1862-1865)

After the Battle of Bull Run that was a disappointing loss to the North, a group of new Scandinavian immigrants fighting on the Northern side (largely due to opposition to slavery) requested to form their own militia so as to avoid the language barriers that affected their performance in military duties. In Madison, Wisconsin, on September 15, 1861, many prominent Scandinavians met to establish a Scandinavian Regiment. The story is based on the letters and other accounts of the members of the regiment and their friends, family, and other relations.

From the guide to the The Fifteenth Wisconsin by Kristofer Janson. Translated by Harry T. Cleven, 1862-1865, (Pacific Lutheran University Archives and Special Collections/Lbrary Services)